I'm a newbie when it comes to these diesels, and I sure need some help from the gurus. At the end of a 100-mile drive, my 1990 D350 CTD (120K) overheated very slightly. When I parked, I noticed a funny smell sorta like railroad ties burning (you know, that burning creosote smell...). Anyway, I raised the hood and noticed a puff of smoke coming between the fan and the radiator.

I'm guessing fan clutch, but I ain't sure. The coolant level was OK, and I'd been driving for a while without any problems with the A/C on, so I don't think it is the T-stat.

How can I tell for sure? And what are the tricks in replacing it?

Thanks in advance for y'alls help.

 

Let the truck idle and turn the motor off while watching the fan blades. The blades shouldn't turn about 2 turns after the motor stops. Also, just try to turn it while the motor is OFF. It shouldn't free spin at all.

The fan clutch has a fluid coupling, it's possible that maybe some fluid leaked out and started smoking??????

I would get another opinion though

 

Sounds about right. remember the threads are reverse or left hand. I used a strap wrench to remove mine and replaced it with a Hayden HD unit for $65. If its workin right it will really let you know when its hooked up from the fan noise if it gets hot enough.

 

What is the part number for the Hayden clutch, and where is a good place to get one?? Thx

 

I got mine from a local AP. if you look up haydens site it will list the #. I think it shows superduty only for ours. mine was $70 or so. I think napa is $109.

 

I had to use a big a$$ wrench to get my clutch off. I put the wrench on straight up and put a blanket around the wrench leaving the top 8 inchs exposed and then whacked it with a baseball bat....it broke free, and it was good therapy.....Just DONT MISS!!!